Module 1 Flashcards
Logic
Study of arguments
Argument
Sequence of statements: set of premises and a conslusion; show why-is-it-that; if the aim is to explain then it’s not an arguement; conclusion can’t already be a given fact
Statement
Declarative sentence that is either true or false (not both); not a question, command or exclamation; truth can’t be relative
Conclusion
Claim you are trying to prove by offering argument; can’t already be a given fact
Premise
Prove or provide evidence for the conclusion; show why-is-it-that by appealing to reasons
Deductive argument
Premises are to prove conclusion; think math- conclusion certain
Inductive arguments
Premises are to provide some evidence for conclusion; think science- conclusion probable
Open statement
Statement with a variable where more info is needed to determine anything
Good statement
Reliable, uses concrete and concise language, avoids loaded language, uses consistent terms, sticks to one meaning for each term, is well supported
Inference indicators (2 types)
Premise indicators (giving reasons) & conclusion indicators (adding up consequences)
Premise indicators
For, since, because, assuming that, seeing that, granted that, the reason is, as implied by the fact that, in as much as, etc.
Conclusion indicators
Therefore, thus, hence, which means that, we may deduce that, as a result, this being so, consequently, it follows that, etc.
Natural order
Premises first, conclusion at the end
Explanation
Not an argument; show why something in fact is the case (why-in-fact)
Critical thinking
How to process information; process of examining and testing propositions to determine whether or not they correspond to reality; scientific method for ordinary people
Critical thinking = Scientific method
Question identified> Hypothesis Formulated> Relevant Data Gathered> Hypothesis Tested> Reliable Conclusion Drawn
Variable
A spot waiting for a value
Domain (replacement set)
Values put into the variable
Solution set (Truth set)
Values that make the sentence true
